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  • Everything We Know About the FHA Demolition in Festac

    Everything We Know About the FHA Demolition in Festac

    The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has allegedly commenced demolition of houses in the Festac Phase 2 area of Lagos State, leaving residents in distress.

    Here’s all we know about the issue so far.

    Everything We Know About the FHA Demolition in Festac

    What happened?

    On Friday, November 17, 2023, Akintola Olagbemiro, Zonal Managing Director of FHA, South-West Zone, told the press that residents of houses marked for demolition at the Festac Phase 2 area of Lagos State had violated rules.

    According to Olagbemiro, the occupants of the houses continued to erect structures in the area despite a stop order from the FHA.

    Earlier in May 2022, the spokesman of the FHA, Kenneth Chigelu, raised an alarm over illegal land deals in FESTAC town.

    “Our attention has been drawn to the activities of unscrupulous persons claiming to be agents of the FHA for the sale of land in FESTAC Town. Members of the public are warned not to do business with these imposters. The said advertisement is a scam.”

    While addressing the press on Friday, Olagbemiro said:

    “A lot of illegality has gone up in that place, and I mean an illegal development. And we are looking at how best we can solve this and ensure people live in a serene environment. We want to ensure that we do our part by making people live in quality houses for them to live in.

    “Unfortunately, we have had a series of issues of illegal estate developers, illegal people selling lands, people who claimed they owned the place and we have litigation from many angles.”

    Also addressing pressmen during a visit to the area where houses were marked for demolition, Francesca Michael-James, Zonal Deputy General Manager of Urban and Regional Planning, noted that the FHA was ready to demolish houses marked for demolition and deal with those with no regard for the law.

    “We already have the permission of our management. So, I’ll also source for security. When we have that security backing, we’ll start to enforce. The structures on the road, the pipeline settings and the ones that were built after that stakeholder meeting where we all said everybody should wait.”

    According to the FHA officials, notices had been served since August informing residents of the planned demolition of illegal structures.

    [ad]

    Demolition commences

    Following the FHA delegation’s visit on Friday, some videos shared on social media indicate that the demolition of illegal structures commenced over the weekend.

    One video captured distraught residents out on the streets with their properties. Furniture, electronics, bathroom and toilet fixtures, and mattresses, among other items, were spotted out on the streets.

    Another showed residents watching a bulldozer pull down one of the buildings in the area.

    Distortion of Master Plan for Festac

    According to Michael-James, the demolition became necessary because the activities of land grabbers have disrupted the initial plan for Festac Town.

    “In the Master Plan, we have the major artilleries, collector and minor roads, for example, the standard of the Right of Way is about 50 feet, which was observed by occupants of the 1st to fifth avenues, but at several other places in the town, what we have is distortion of the Master Plan. Sand filling or road levelling is no longer in place.

    Surv. Lawal Umar-Salihu, a member of the FHA delegation, explained that from the total land allocation of 2000 x 24.64 hectares earmarked for the Festac Town development, the government has assigned only 30%. He said 70% had been encroached upon.

    2021 demolitions

    In November 2021, the FHA sparked public outrage after it demolished houses in FESTAC. Speaking to the press after the demolition, FHA zonal manager, Olagbemiro, said those affected were given more than 60 days notice, but they refused to quit.

    “We didn’t even go there after the end of the 21 days because we also wanted to be sure that we were doing the right thing. We wanted to make sure that we have done all the markings, and they were informed, up to the extent that some that were even at the foundation level still went ahead and continued, which is not right.

    “We saw so many things, no approval, no original papers, nothing. Nobody could give us a single, simple approval either from Lagos State government or from Federal.”

    This is a developing story.

    Adeyinka Odutuyo

    , ,

  • NLC Strike: These 30 Service Providers Might Press Pause Too

    NLC Strike: These 30 Service Providers Might Press Pause Too

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) embarked on an industrial action on Monday, November 13, after police officers allegedly battered its president, Joe Ajaero, in Imo state.

    The union asked members to withdraw their services nationwide, adding that the strike would go on until “government at all levels wake up to their responsibility”. 

    We’ve compiled a list of 30 service providers whose availability become uncertain whenever the NLC initiates an industrial action.

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)

    When ASUU goes on strike, activities across government-owned universities in the country are halted. And students bear the major brunt.

    The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnic

    Services across government-owned polytechnics are halted whenever members embark on industrial action.

    The Academic Staff Union of Research Institutions

    Services in research facilities such as the Nigeria Institute of Animal Science and the Nigeria Institute of Soil Science may be inaccessible during an NLC strike.

    Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union

    Let’s just say classes are halted in most government-owned institutions when members embark on strike.

    Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Polytechnics (SSANIP)

    Administrative services across government-owned polytechnics may be disrupted when members embark on industrial action.

    Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU)

    Administrative services across government-owned universities may also be disrupted when members embark on industrial action.

    Iron & Steel Senior Staff Association of Nigeria

    Welders, fitters, tank erectors and machinists, and allied trade workers are all members of the Nigeria Labour Congress. This means the services offered across factories and assembly plants may be disrupted during strikes.

    Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN)

    Courts are not accessible when members are on strike, so trials may be postponed indefinitely.

    Maritime Workers Union of Nigeria

    Nigeria’s port stations may close.

    Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria

    Services in government-owned hospitals and health centres are inaccessible when members embark on strike.

    National Association of Nigeria Nurses and Midwives

    Workers in this union do not offer their services to hospitals and healthcare centres during an industrial action.

    National Union of Air Transport Employees

    Airport services halt when workers in the aviation industry embark on industrial action.

    National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institution Employees

    Institutions including commercial banks become inaccessible when members of this union join industrial action.

    National Union of Electricity Employees of Nigeria

    Services like power supply are affected when members embark on strike.

    National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas

    This union is home to workers in the petroleum and gas industries across the country. Fueling and gas stations halt services when members are on strike.

    National Union of Posts and Telecommunication Employees

    NUPTE is home to workers in the government-owned communications industry. The Nigerian Postal Service (NIPOST) will close when members embark on strike.

    National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW)

    Public bus, tricycle and motorcycle services aren’t accessible during industrial action.

    [ad]

    National Union of Lottery Agents and Employees

    This is the trade union for lottery agents across the country. Services like placing bets and receiving payments are halted when members embark on strike.

    National Union of Textile, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria 

    Access to tailoring or garment production services may become impossible during a strike.

    Nigeria Civil Service Union

    Services at some government-owned institution ministries may be disrupted when civil servants are on strike.

    Nigeria Union of Civil Service Secretariat Stenographic Workers

    Stenographers, who transcribe speeches, in government-owned institutions are unavailable when members are on strike.

    Nigeria Union of Journalists

    Broadcast and print media services may be disrupted when members strike.

    Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees 

    Civil servants who work in local government-owned institutions are also effected.

    Nigeria Union of Mine Workers

    Mines across the country may close when workers are on strike.

    Nigeria Union of Railwaymen

    This union is home to workers in the rail transportation sector across the country. Train rides are not accessible during industrial action.

    Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT)

    NUT is home to the academic staff in government-owned primary and secondary schools in the country. These schools close when workers are on strike.

    Nigeria Welders and Fitters Association (NIWELFA) 

    This is the association for professional welders and fitters in the country. Services such as welding, laying and assembling of units are disrupted when members strike.

    Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria (PASAN)

    PASAN is a trade union that’s home to staff of the parliamentary/legislative arm of government and other related institutions in Nigeria.

    Radio, Television and Theatre Workers Union of Nigeria (RATTAWU)

    Broadcast and entertainment may be disrupted when members strike.

    Steel & Engineering Workers Union of Nigeria (SEWUN)

    Services across production factories and assembly plants involved in making metal and electrical goods in Nigeria may be halted during strikes.

    Adeyinka Odutuyo

    , ,

  • NLC, TUC Embark on Strike. But Why Is ASUU in the Mix?

    NLC, TUC Embark on Strike. But Why Is ASUU in the Mix?

    The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has asked members to join the nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria. 

    Here’s all we know about the situation that has raised anxiety among students.

    NLC, TUC Embark on Strike. But Why Is ASUU in the Mix?

    What happened?

    On Monday, November 13, the leadership of the NLC and TUC directed members to withdraw their services nationwide from midnight.

    Festus Osifo, TUC president, informed journalists of the planned industrial action in Abuja on the same day. According to him, the strike will continue until “government at all levels wake up to their responsibility.”

    The strike is also connected to the November 1 alleged battering of NLC president, Joe Ajaero, during a labour protest in Imo state.  Benson Upah, NLC’s Head of Information, told the press that Ajaero was arrested by the police ahead of the state-wide protest to highlight the plights of workers in Imo.

    At a press conference in Abuja on Friday, November 10, Ajaero recounted his ordeal at the hands of police officers.

    “I can’t explain the beating I received. They tied my hands and dragged me on the floor like a common criminal. I am not even a card-carrying member of any political party as alleged.”

    However, Imo Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Okoye Henry told a different account of the story. According to Henry, the NLC president was taken into protective custody following a mob attack that stemmed from protesters trying to shut down areas of essential services.

    “Upon receiving this report, the Imo Police Command swiftly deployed police operatives to the scene where the Officer in Charge exercised his operational discretion by taking the NLC President into protective custody at the State Command Headquarters to ensure the protection of his life and that he was not lynched in the scuffle that followed,” he said.

    During the November 3 press briefing in Abuja, the NLC rolled out a six-point demand to the federal government including the investigation and redeployment of Imo commissioner of police, Mohammed Barde, and removal of officers believed to be involved in the attack against Ajaero. 

    The NLC also demanded a thorough examination of Ajaero to ascertain the level of physical and psychological injuries inflicted on him.

    Why is ASUU involved?

    On Monday evening, November 13, President of ASUU, Prof Emmanuel Osodeke, directed its members to join the NLC and TUC’s industrial action.

    In a letter sent to all the union zonal coordinators and branch chairpersons of the union, Osodeke wrote:

    “The Nigeria Labour Congress at a Joint National Executive Council (NEC) of NLC and TUC directed all affiliate Unions to commence withdrawal of services with effect from 12:00 midnight today 13th November 2023. 

    “As an affiliate of NLC, all members of our union are hereby directed to join this action of NLC to protect the interest of Nigerian workers and the leadership of the union. Zonal coordinators and branch chairpersons should immediately mobilise our members to participate in the action.”

    [ad]

    How are Nigerians reacting?

    News of ASUU joining the NLC and TUC’s strike has since stirred reactions from concerned Nigerians and students.

    https://twitter.com/sidi_omar15/status/1724316956805788099?s=46&t=gV-1mmgH3NC_RQhcgp1x3w

    How long was the last ASUU strike?

    ASUU’s last strike lasted eight months. The union embarked on the strike on February 14, 2022, to press home its demands from the FG. The union’s demands included the release of revitalisation funds for universities, the release of earned allowances for university lecturers, and the deployment of the University Transparency and Accountability Solution (UTAS).

    It called off the strike on October 17, 2022, following an order from the industrial court.

    Adeyinka Odutuyo

    , ,

  • Police and Army, I Know: Who Are the Guys in These Uniforms?

    Police and Army, I Know: Who Are the Guys in These Uniforms?

    As a Nigerian living in Nigeria, you’ve probably seen these officers in different uniforms on the highway, at the airport, at the border when you take a road trip. But who exactly are they, and how are they relevant to you? 

    Don’t worry, this article exists to answer your questions. 

    Nigerian Air Force

    This security agency protects the Nigerian air space and conducts air operations for our security.

    Year established: 1964

    Key functions:

    • Protect Nigeria’s air space
    • Provide support to ground and sea-borne forces
    • Supply sophisticated electromagnetic equipment, which are usually airborne, for use in electronic warfare

    State Security Service

    Source: ICIR

    Also known as the Department of State Security (DSS), this is the primary domestic intelligence agency of Nigeria. Officers in the DSS gather intelligence within the country for the protection of senior government officials, particularly the president and state government.

    Year established: 1986

    Key functions:

    • Protect and defend the Federal Republic of Nigeria against domestic threats
    • Protect the president, vice president, senator, representatives, governors, other senior officials and their families
    • Protect visiting foreign heads-of-state and government
    • Neutralise security threats, counter-terrorism and counter-insurgency

    Nigerian Navy 

    Source: PremiumTimes

    This security agency is the sea division of the Nigerian Armed Forces. The Navy protects Nigeria’s waters — every part of the open sea within 12 nautical miles of the coast of Nigeria.

    Year established: 1959

    Key functions:

    • Maintain the naval territory of Nigeria
    • Defend the country from external and internal naval aggression
    • Protect the Nigerian naval borders from violations
    • Enforcement of all national and international maritime laws
    • Fishery protection and upholding environmental laws

    Federal Road Safety Commission

    Source: Punch

    This government agency oversees road safety administration across the country.

    Year established: 1988

    Key functions:

    • Ensure the safety of Nigerian highway motorists
    • Prevent or minimise accidents on the highway
    • Clear obstruction on any part of the highway
    • Educating drivers, motorists and other members of the public on the proper use of highways
    • Designing and producing driver’s licenses

    Nigeria Security and Civil Defence (NSCDC)

    Source: Dailypost

    This security agency maintains peace and order in the country and protects the civil populace. They’re involved in crisis resolution, protecting important infrastructure like pipelines and supervising activities of private guards.

    Year established: 1967

    Key functions:

    • Maintenance of peace and order in the society
    • Provision of security and monitoring services before, during and after elections
    • Protection of federal and state government infrastructure and facilities
    • Protection of pipelines from vandalism
    • Supervise the activities of private guard companies

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    National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA)

    Source: NDLEA

    The NDLEA eliminates the growing, processing, manufacturing, selling, exporting, distribution, sales, trafficking and usage of hard drugs in Nigeria. NDLEA officials are usually found at international and state borders, airports, highways and seaports, or on regular roads, carrying out random searches based on tip-offs.

    Year established: 1990

    Key functions:

    • Identification and destruction of farms where cannabis, marijuana and other illicit substances are cultivated
    • Arrest and prosecution of drug barons
    • Mass sensitisation on the dangers of drugs
    • Rehabilitation of drug addicts

    Nigerian Customs Service

    Source: Punch

    This agency is responsible for the collection of customs revenue. It facilitates national and international trade and keeps a security check on smuggling.

    Year established: 1891

    Key functions:

    • Anti-smuggling activities
    • Licensing and registration of custom agents
    • Collection of revenue such as import and export duties, and other taxes/levies
    • Monitoring foreign exchange utilisation
    • Generating statistics for planning and budgeting
    • Collaboration with other government agencies in all approved ports and border stations

    Nigerian Immigration Service

    Source: Punch

    This security agency is tasked with migration management. It was carved out of the Nigerian Police Force in 1963 to undertake border surveillance and control. The service issues travel documents including the Nigerian passport.

    Year established: 1963

    Key functions:

    • Issuance of travel documents to bona fide Nigerians in and outside Nigeria
    • Issuance of residence permits to foreigners
    • Border surveillance and patrol
    • Enforcement of immigration laws and regulations

    Nigerian Correctional Service

    Source: Premium Times

    It was called Nigerian Prison Service until President Buhari changed the name in 2019. The service is in charge of managing correctional facilities in the country, established to drive change in offenders and ensure that they’re successfully reintegrated into society once they serve out their sentences. They take citizens into lawful custody by court orders and bring such individuals to court when due.

    Year established: 1861

    Key functions:

    • Take offenders into legal custody
    • Provide safe, secure and humane custody for inmates
    • Convey remand persons to and from courts in motorised formations
    • Implement reformation and rehabilitation programmes to enhance the reintegration of inmates back into the society
    • Provide support to facilitate speedy case resolutions of persons awaiting trials.

    Adeyinka Odutuyo

    , ,

  • This Week in “Nigerian Government” 

    President Tinubu and the Nigerian Government made some interesting to questionable moves this week. We’ve compiled the high and lowlights across different sectors of government.

    FG pays pensioners owed pension arrears

    Some good news for pensioners of the Power and Transport Sectors of the Parastatals Pension Department. The federal government finalised payment of ₦1.02bn to 7,091 beneficiaries on Sunday, November 5. 

    “The payment represents 39 per cent of the accrued pension arrears owed pensioners in the said sectors for the period August 2015 to September 2023, as a result of the computation of the monthly pension of pensioners of Parastals Pension Department based on their career details, salary structure and applicable pension increments,” stated Olugbenga Ajayi, head of Corporate Communications Unit, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate. 

    More on this story here.

    President Tinubu gears up to present 2024 budget

    Barely weeks after the senate approved Tinubu’s controversial 2023 supplementary budget, the president is making moves for the 2024 national budget. On Monday, November 6, sources within the presidency disclosed the president’s intention to present the budget in the third week of November, so fingers crossed. 

    More on this story here.

    FG begins 40% revenue deduction from universities 

    The government has commenced the implementation of an automatic 40% deduction of internally generated revenues of federal universities across the country. The FG in October had announced that the deduction would take effect from November 2023.

    With the commencement of this deduction, there could be an increase in tuition fees for the students. 

    More on this story here.

    Lagos government slashes bus, train fares by 25%

    Governor Sanwo-Olu “came through” for Lagosians as he slashed the fare on state-regulated buses like BRT and rail transport by 25%. The directive took effect on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, with no clear indication of how long it’ll last. 

    More on this story here.

    Governor Umo Eno denies padding supplementary budget

    It appears President Tinubu’s supplementary budget isn’t the only one that’s raised eyebrows in recent times. On Tuesday, November 6, in Akwa Ibom, Governor Umo Eno shut down allegations that he padded the state’s supplementary budget. 

    Eno spoke up after Policy Alert, an NGO focused on promoting fiscal and ecological justice in the Niger Delta region, highlighted some controversial appropriations in the budget.

    More on this story here.

    [ad]

    President Tinubu leads 9-man delegate to Saudi-Africa summit

    The president is in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, for the inaugural edition of the Saudi-Africa summit. Through the summit, President Tinubu hopes to attract more direct foreign investment and expand business partnerships for the country.

    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar; Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman; and the Coordinating Minister of the Economy and Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun are among the president’s official delegate.

    More on the story here.

    FG insists on subsidy for electricity 

    On Wednesday, November 7, Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu, revealed that President Tinubu ordered a stop to the implementation of a hike in electricity tariff and insisted on subsidising the power consumed nationwide. The president insisted that before power companies can charge a cost-reflective tariff, there should be constant power supply. 

    At the moment, Nigerians pay ₦70 per kilowatt-hour, an increment would see the price shoot up to ₦140 per kilowatt-hour.

    More on this here.

    More appointments in Tinubu’s administration

    Joining President Tinubu’s administration this week are 20 federal commissioners for the National Population Census (NPC),  three executive commissioners for the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), an SSA on disability matters and an SSA on Citizenship and Leadership.

    Uju Kennedy launches pink kekes to cushion female unemployment

    On Wednesday, November 7, Minister for Women’s Affairs, Uju Kennedy, donated tricycles with pink interiors and sewing machines to women in Abuja. She announced the Pink Riders Transport Scheme, an initiative aimed to reduce unemployment and empower women across the country. According to her, the plan is to extend the scheme to other states in the country.

    Nigerians have criticised Uju with many stating that there are better ways to empower women.

    More on this here.

    Burning Ram is going down tomorrow. You still have time to grab tickets to attend the biggest meat festival in Nigeria.

    Adeyinka Odutuyo

    ,

  • What You Should Know as Third Mainland Bridge Rehabilitation Commences

    What You Should Know as Third Mainland Bridge Rehabilitation Commences

    On Tuesday, November 1, the Federal Government commenced rehabilitation of the third mainland bridge in Lagos state. Minister of Works, David Umahi, inspected the 11.8-kilometer-long bridge on Saturday, October 28, ahead of the repairs.

    The repairs will affect Lagos commuters in different ways, so we’ve highlighted seven important things to keep in mind. 

    Rehabilitation officially kicks off on November 1

    Repair works on the 3rd mainland bridge kicked off on Wednesday, November 1.

    The bridge will be  closed partially

    According to Umahi, the repair work will be carried out at midnight to reduce the constraint on road users.

    The repairs will last for three months

    The repair work will span three months and be completed by January 2024.

    The bridge will be closed at midnight and opened at 4 a.m. on weekdays

    While addressing pressmen at the inspection, Umahi said, “We’re are going to be working weekends, Saturdays and Sundays. If we ever work during the other days, it has to be from 12 in the midnight to 4 a.m. the next day. We will not inconvenience Lagosians.”

    Two sections of the bridge will be closed

    According to Engr. (Mrs.) O. I. Kesha, the Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, the rehabilitation will begin with the ramps connecting Oworoshoki to Adekunle and Lagos Island (Adeniji Adele) to Adekunle simultaneously.

    These ramps will be closed to traffic at 7 a.m. on Monday, November 6, 2023, for five weeks.

    [ad]

    Alternative routes to consider 

    The Lagos State Commissioner for Transportation, Oluwaseun Osiyemi, urged motorists to consider alternative routes.

    “SCENE 1: Motorists from Lagos Island heading to Ebute Metta will be diverted to Ilubirin to connect Carter Bridge (Idumota) to link Iddo toward Otto/Oyingbo axis and access Herbert Macaulay Way to link to their desired destinations.

    “SCENE 2: Motorists from Victoria Island are to go through Bonny Camp to Onikan Marina Bridge, Apongbon to Eko Bridge, Costain to Apapa Road, Railway Compound to Alagomeji, Glover Road to Apena Junction, Herbert Macaulay Way to reach their destinations.

    “SCENE 3: Motorists from Motorway will be diverted to Ikorodu Road (Ojota, Anthony, Onipanu, Fadeyi) and Jibowu to access Herbert Macaulay Way to continue their journey.

    “SCENE 4: Motorists from Gbagada can go through Anthony Interchange to link Ikorodu Road inwards Jibowu to access Herbert Macaulay Way and link their desired destinations.

    “SCENE 5: Motorists from Apapa-Oshodi Expressway wishing to link Ebute-Metta are advised to link Oshodi Bridge to Town Planning Way to Ikorodu Road and then link to their various destinations.”

    Installation of solar-powered lights, CCTV cameras

    https://youtu.be/k3ZNwYWeUrM?si=FVX4Y1ubuzKpWmyC

    Minister Umahi said the rehabilitation will also include installation of solar lights and CCTV to monitor the movement of people in the lower and upper sections of the bridge.

    You’ll have your fill of grilled, peppered or fried meat and many more at Zikoko’s meat festival on November 11. Have you bought your Burning Ram ticket? You can do that real quick here.

    Adeyinka Odutuyo

    , ,

  • #FreeOAUStudents: Everything We Know about EFCC’s Midnight Raid

    #FreeOAUStudents: Everything We Know about EFCC’s Midnight Raid

    On Wednesday, November 1, Economic Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) agents arrested some students of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife, Osun State, during an off-campus midnight raid. 

    Here’s all we know about the situation that’s already trending under the hashtag #FreeOAUStudents.

    What happened?

    On Wednesday, November 1, some students of OAU took to X (formerly Twitter) to notify the public about a midnight raid by EFCC officials. According to the accounts, the officials stormed Fine Touch and Superb Hostels in Oduduwa Estate, Ile-Ife, at midnight. The students reportedly thought they were kidnappers at first. 

    “When people were asleep, EFCC raided Fine Touch Hostel in Oduduwa, arrested over 40 male students and drove their cars away! What type of stupid oppression is this?” one X user tweeted.

    Some videos shared on social media showed officers ordering students into their pickup vans and physically assaulting them to force cooperation.

    WhatsApp screenshots from fellow students raising alarm over the situation also surfaced online.

    https://twitter.com/sonayanajose/status/1719572171469541804?s=46&t=gV-1mmgH3NC_RQhcgp1x3w

    The students were taken to the Ibadan office of the anti-graft agency, and their properties were confiscated.

    OAU’s student union condemns arrest

    Shortly after the incident, the OAU students’ union issued a statement on X, confirming and condemning the unlawful arrest of students. 

    “We strongly condemn the recent unjust arrest and harassment of our fellow students by members of the EFCC @officialEFCC in the odd hours of today, Nov 1st, 2023. This action is unacceptable and goes against the principles of justice and due process.”

    The union noted its support for the aggrieved students and called on authorities to carry out thorough investigation. 

    OAU students begin #FreeOAUStudents protest

    Some videos circulating on social media indicate that students of the institution have mobilised and visited the EFCC’s office in Ibadan, demanding the release of their colleagues. The #FreeOAUStudents hashtag is also trending on X.

    Has EFCC responded?

    A spokesperson of the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the arrest of 69 “internet fraud suspects”. He said the anti-graft agency’s Ibadan zonal office acted on intelligence that the OAU students were involved in internet crime.  

    According to him, items recovered from the students include 190 mobile phones, 40 laptops and cars, among others. Oyewale said the students will be charged to court.

    “The suspects have made useful statements to the EFCC and will be charged to court as soon as investigations are concluded.”

    What about the university’s management?

    OAU’s PRO, Abiodun Olanrewaju, said the school management is still investigating to determine how many of the arrested individuals are their students.

    “We want to be sure that our students are not unduly harassed or intimidated nor abused. The management has mandated us to go to Ibadan and find out because the welfare of students is important to us.

    “We want to go and see by ourselves so that we can come back and give the management necessary feedback. We are just going there now. It is not only our students that are outside Ife, so we wouldn’t want a situation where people will say all those who were arrested are our students whereas maybe some of them are not our students. We want to know who we want to fight for, who we want to defend and protect.”

    This is a developing story.

    You’ll have your fill of grilled, peppered or fried meat and many more at Zikoko’s meat festival on November 11. Have you bought your Burning Ram ticket? You can do that real quick here.

    Adeyinka Odutuyo

    ,
    , ,

  • Key Takeaways from President Tinubu’s ₦2.1 Trillion Supplementary Budget

    Key Takeaways from President Tinubu’s ₦2.1 Trillion Supplementary Budget

    On Tuesday, October 31, Nigerians woke up to the news that President Bola Tinubu is seeking the approval of a supplementary budget of ₦2.17 trillion, which bumps up the 2023 appropriation bill President Buhari’s government signed.

    Key Takeaways from President Tinubu’s ₦2.1 Trillion Supplementary Budget

    This comes weeks after he proposed a total of ₦26 trillion for the 2024 budget. 

    Tinubu’s request has sparked reactions from Nigerians who have criticised the expenses despite the current economic hardship in the country.

    Some of the key spends in the additional budget:

    • ₦1.5 billion on vehicles for the office of the first lady
    • ₦2.9 billion on SUVs for the presidential villa
    • ₦2.9 billion to replace operational vehicles for the presidency
    • ₦4 billion on renovation of the president’s residential quarters
    • ₦2.5 billion on renovation of the vice president’s residence
    • ₦28 billion for the state house
    • ₦12.5 billion on the presidential air fleet
    • ₦476 billion for national defense and security
    • ₦210 billion for the payment of wage awards
    Key Takeaways from President Tinubu’s ₦2.1 Trillion Supplementary Budget

    Further breakdown of the budget: 

    Has the budget been approved?

    The Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the supplementary budget on Monday, October 30, pending the approval of the National Assembly. 

    As of Tuesday, October 31, President Tinubu’s ₦2.1 trillion supplementary appropriations bill had passed for second reading at the House of Representatives.

    Senate President Godswill Akpabio also read the president’s request on the floor of the upper legislative chamber.

    “It has now become necessary to make further provision for additional palliative including the wage awards for public servants and the enhanced cash programme for vulnerable members of our society.

    “In addition, defense has become critical to provide for peace and to secure the lives and properties without which the economic agenda of the administration cannot be achieved,” President Tinubu’s request read in part.

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    What are Nigerians saying?

    Many Nigerians have aired reservations against the president’s request, noting that some of the earmarked funds are unnecessary and come off as insensitive to the plight of citizens. 

    This is a developing story.

    You’ll have your fill of grilled, peppered or fried meat and many more at Zikoko’s meat festival on November 11. Have you bought your Burning Ram ticket? You can do that real quick here.

    Adeyinka Odutuyo

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  • Sim Fubara vs Wike: The Brewing Political Rift in Rivers State

    Sim Fubara vs Wike: The Brewing Political Rift in Rivers State

    Nigerians woke up to a disturbing video of police officers harassing Rivers state governor, Sim Fubara, in Port Harcourt. Fubara was reportedly on his way to the House of Assembly to stall the impeachment proceedings against him.

    FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, and Governor Fubara.

    Source: Sim Media Volunteers

    This event has people pointing fingers at former governor, Nyesom Wike. Here’s what we’ve gathered so far.

    What happened?

    On Sunday, October 19, 2023, multiple reports surfaced of a fire outbreak at the Rivers State House of Assembly complex around 10 p.m. The fire consumed a portion of the complex before firefighters arrived at the venue and brought the situation under control.

    The outbreak happened amid rumours of lawmakers making moves to impeach Governor Fubara who was elected into office in March 2023.

    On Monday, October 30, a video circulating on social media showed police officers firing teargas and water canons at Governor Fubara as he walked along a road in Port-Harcourt.

    “You are attacking the governor of Rivers State? Rivers State governor under attack,” an individual shouted in the now-viral video.

    Fubara was reportedly heading to the HOA to assess the fire incident and stop the impeachment proceedings against him. Reports indicate that 24 lawmakers of the state house of assembly had signed an impeachment notice and sent it to the governor.

    A different video saw the governor in a safer and more stable condition as he addressed some of his supporters.

    “From what I’ve seen, the security is even compromised. They were shooting at me. This operation was shooting at me directly, but it doesn’t matter.”

    The governor declared that whatever actions had been taken by members of the assembly were null and void.

    History with former Governor Nyesom Wike

    Nyesom Wike significantly supported Fubara, a former accountant general of the state, during his bid to become the Rivers State governor. Before he won the election in March 2023, Fubara was not an active player in Rivers politics.

    On Sunday, May 28, during a thanksgiving service to mark the end of his tenure, he told Fubara he would not disturb his administration.

    “We will not disturb you from running your administration, but we will not allow you to make us cry. We want you to succeed more than us so that when we are passing on the road, we will raise our shoulders and say we told you that he would do better than us.”

    Fast forward to October 2023, reports indicate a rift between the governor and his predecessor who is now the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria. Abdul Rasheeth, a media aide to former VP, Atiku Abubakar, alleged in a post shared on X that Wike had a hand in the impeachment move against Fubara by Rivers lawmakers.

    “Wike wants to use the House of Assembly to impeach Gov. Fubara for his selfish reasons. Sim Fubara has been enduring the excesses of Nyesom Wike but cannot take it any longer.”

    Rasheeth claimed Fubara almost resigned his position as governor but “because the deputy is loyal to Felix Obuah, the former state chairman of PDP, he was asked to sheathe his sword.”

    He also claimed the recent confusion in Rivers HOA is a result of the move to remove the leader of the house, Ehie Edison, who is strongly against the idea of impeaching Sim Fubara.

     [ad]

    Elder statesman, Edwin Clark, weighs in

    Chief Edwin Clark, elder statesman and leader of the Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) commented on the developments in Rivers state over the last 48 hours at a media briefing in Abuja.

    Chief Clark called on President Bola Tinubu to caution Wike and the security forces in Rivers. “I have been reliably informed that there is a plot to unlawfully remove Governor Siminalaye Fubara of Rivers State, who has spent only about five months in office,” he said.

    “I understand the sad episode is being orchestrated by the immediate past Governor of Rivers State and the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Mr Nyesom Wike.

    “And that the intention is to remove the Governor, force his deputy, Professor Ngozi Odu to resign, and install the Speaker of the House of Assembly, another Ikwerre person, as the governor of the state.”

    What’s the current situation?

    Governor Fubara addressed his supporters at the HOA complex shortly after the assault. The governor stressed that he has done nothing to warrant an impeachment from office.

    “Let them come out and tell Rivers people the offence I have committed to warrant any impeachment. Let me assure the people of Rivers that I will continue to ensure that you get the dividends of democracy. At the appropriate time, I will address the press.”

    This is a developing story.

    Burning Ram tickets are now available. Get your personal meat and many more at Zikoko’s meat festival coming up on November 11th. Tickets are available here.

    Adeyinka Odutuyo

    , , ,

  • #JusticeforJustina: Everything We Know About the Murdered UNIPORT Student

    #JusticeforJustina: Everything We Know About the Murdered UNIPORT Student

    A 24-year-old Nigerian undergraduate student identified as Damian has been arrested by the police in Rivers state over the alleged murder of his lover, Justina Otuene Nkang. 

    Damian allegedly dismembered the deceased and was caught while attempting to dispose of her remains.

    Justina Otuene Nkang

    Here’s a rundown of the situation which has sparked public outrage over the continued acts of violence against women.

    What happened?

    On Sunday, October 22, a student of University of Port-Harcourt (UNIPORT), Justina Otuene Nkang, was reported missing.

     A missing person’s report shared on social media stated Justina was last seen at the hospital where she worked as an industrial trainee.

    Justina Otuene Nkang

    A friend of Justina also shared a tweet notifying the public about her disappearance.

    https://twitter.com/amandaakabudu/status/1716109725173973060?s=46&t=gV-1mmgH3NC_RQhcgp1x3w

    Justina’s body found

    On Wednesday, October 25, Rivers state police command arrested Damian Chinaemerem Okoligwe, a 400-level student of UNIPORT, in connection with the alleged murder of his girlfriend.

    It turned out that Damian’s girlfriend was Justina Nkang, the young lady previously reported missing. Police discovered Justina’s mutilated remains at Damian’s apartment.

    The suspect was reportedly nabbed by security personnel in his estate while attempting to dispose of the victim’s body. It was also reported that witnesses in the area raised an alarm and raided Damian’s apartment where they found the victim’s dismembered body parts.

    [ad]

    A video showed Damian in handcuffs as operatives retrieved the victim’s body and prepared to send it to the morgue.

    https://twitter.com/thesabiradio/status/1717299232195879044?s=46&t=gV-1mmgH3NC_RQhcgp1x3w

    Damian maintains innocence

    On Thursday, October 26, a day after he was arrested, Damian was paraded at the police station and interrogated by pressmen. He claimed he had nothing to do with Justina’s death.

    “I didn’t kill her; I found her dead in my apartment in the morning. I don’t know who dismembered her body.”

    Damian claimed he returned to his house to find her lifeless body. He stated that he couldn’t explain the situation, which is why he chose not to call the police.

    How are the police handling the case?

    According to Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Nwonyi Emeka, preliminary investigations have started. CP Emeka also disclosed that the case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discrete investigation. 

    Outrage on social media

    Justina’s murder has sparked heated reactions on social media with many people, including celebrities, calling for justice under the hashtag: #JusticeForJustina

    https://twitter.com/brazen_gee/status/1717544622983946733?s=46&t=gV-1mmgH3NC_RQhcgp1x3w

    This is a developing story.

    You’ll have your fill of grilled, peppered or fried meat and many more at Zikoko’s meat festival on November 11. Have you bought your Burning Ram ticket? You can do that real quick here.

    Adeyinka Odutuyo

    , , ,